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Why It Is So Hard to Find a Subcontractor with Genuinely Strong Specialists
Forty offers from subcontractors, and they all promise the same thing. Where hiring welders and installers in Germany really goes wrong and the six questions to ask before signing.
Jobs in Czechia for Ukrainians 2026
In 2026, Ukrainians with temporary protection (dočasná ochrana) can work in Czechia without a work permit — for any employer, in any position, on an employment contract or a work agreement. The Czech Labour Office (Úřad práce) says it plain
Czech Employee Card (Zaměstnanecká karta)
The zaměstnanecká karta (Czech employee card) is a residence permit for non-EU citizens. It lets you live in Czechia and work for a specific employer in a specific job. It is issued for a maximum of 2 years. The fee is CZK 2,500 if you appl
Minimum Wage and Average Salary in Czechia 2026
The Czech minimum wage in 2026 is CZK 22,400 gross a month, or CZK 134.40 an hour for a 40-hour week. Full-time, that leaves CZK 19,011 net (about €779). From 1 January 2027 the minimum wage rises to CZK 24,900, or CZK 148.30 an hour. The a
Travel insurance for trips abroad from Czechia in 2026
Heading off on a trip abroad — to Italy, Egypt, Turkey, or a ski resort in Austria? Then you need travel (travel medical) insurance for the duration of your trip. It covers treatment if you fall ill or get injured on the road, evacuation ba
Renting a car in Czechia as a foreigner: prices and pitfalls for 2026
Renting a car in Czechia is a convenient way to get beyond Prague — castles, Český Krumlov, the Krkonoše mountains, or a quick trip to neighbouring Austria or Germany. But local rental firms have their own rules: a deposit gets blocked on y
Cheap flights from Prague: how to find them and where to fly (2026)
Prague Airport is one of the most convenient hubs for budget travel around Europe. If you live in Czechia and fly regularly — for a weekend in a European capital or to visit family — the difference between a smart search and a lazy one can
How to learn Czech: courses, apps and tutors in 2026
Czech seems intimidating only in the first few months: the cases, the vowel-dropping and words without a single vowel, like “zmrzl”, can be off-putting, but the system is actually quite logical, and everyday life only requires a basic level
How to rent out an apartment in Prague in 2026: finding a tenant, the contract, taxes
Renting out a flat in Prague is not as complicated as it sounds, but between “post an ad” and “earn steady income without headaches” lie several important steps: choosing the right listing platforms, screening a prospective tenant, drafting
How to invest as a foreigner in Czechia: brokers, taxes and where to start
If you live in Czechia and want your savings to work rather than lose value to inflation, investing in stocks and ETFs is one of the most straightforward ways to start. The good news: you don’t need Czech citizenship, and local tax rules fo
Pančava Waterfall: how to reach the tallest waterfall in Czechia
Czechia's tallest waterfall hides in the Giant Mountains: the Pančava stream plunges off the edge of a plateau and drops 148 meters in four stages into the Elbe Valley. You can get there in half a day, and admission is free — here's how. Wh
Russian pyramid billiards in Prague: where to play pyramid, pool and snooker
Russian pyramid is known in Czechia as ruská pyramida, but tables for it are far from everywhere: most Prague clubs are set up for pool and snooker. Here's where to find the right table, how these games differ, and how much time to allow. H
OAMP application deadlines: how to check status and what to do after 60 days
You submitted your application, and it's been over a month with no decision. The law gives the office 60 days — and once that deadline passes, you gain the right to demand action. Here's how to track your case and what to do once the deadli
Czech citizenship: eligibility, B1 and civics exams, and cost
Citizenship is the next step after permanent residency. The requirements here are noticeably stricter: B1-level language proficiency, a civics exam, and a total stay of ten years. Here is what the process involves and what it costs. How lon
Permanent residency in Czechia (trvalý pobyt): requirements, exam and documents
Five years of continuous residence — and you can apply for permanent residency. This status removes the tie to your original purpose of stay, gives you access to the state health insurance system on equal terms with citizens, and opens the
How to transfer money to and from Czechia in 2026: services, fees, timing
An international transfer is one of the first everyday tasks almost every expat in Czechia runs into: moving savings to a local account, getting paid by a client abroad, or sending money to family back home. The gap between a “bad” and a “g
eSIM and mobile internet in Czechia: how to stay connected from day one
You land in Prague, and right at the airport you already need the internet: to call a taxi, open a map, message your landlord. Here's how to stay connected literally from the moment you step off the plane: how eSIM differs from a regular SI
From Prague airport to the city center: bus, metro, transfer, taxi (2026)
Prague Airport (Letiště Václava Havla, code PRG, formerly known as Ruzyně) sits on the northwestern edge of the city. There's no metro line to the airport, so getting downtown means taking a bus or trolleybus to the nearest metro station, r
EU flight delay and cancellation compensation: up to €600 in 2026
A half-day delay, a flight cancelled the night before departure, or “no seats left” right at the check-in desk — every regular traveler out of Prague has been there. The good news: the European regulation EU 261/2004 entitles passengers to
Ice rinks in Prague: where to skate, prices and when the season starts
In winter, Prague floods ice rinks right in its parks, and district stadiums open their ice to anyone for around fifty crowns. Here's where to skate, when the season starts, and how much it costs. When the season starts Indoor stadiums open
Saunas in Prague: where to sweat, how much it costs and the local rules
In Czechia, the sauna is a normal part of the week, not an event. There's one in almost every district pool, and it costs less than lunch. Here's where to go, how much to pay, and why it's easy to put your foot in it in a Czech sauna if you
Halloween in Czechia: when it's celebrated and why 2 November is the main day
Halloween is celebrated in Czechia, but far more modestly than you might expect. The real autumn occasion here is different — Dušičky, the commemoration of the dead on 2 November, when cemeteries glow with thousands of candles. Here's what
Burčák in Czechia: what it is, when the season starts and where to try it in Prague
Once a year, a drink appears in Czechia that you can neither buy at any other time nor take home with you: burčák lasts only a few days and keeps fermenting right there in the bottle. Here's when the season starts, where to drink it in Prag
Dobro Clinic in Prague: a sensible check-up for foreigners — no unnecessary tests, no needless worry
A good check-up is not dozens of tests and a full-body MRI but a considered plan for one specific person. How to build it, and what not to do ‘just in case’ — with Dobro Clinic, a Prague clinic for foreigners.
How much do you need to earn to get a mortgage in Czechia: the numbers for August 2026
The bank does not assess the payment you will actually make — it assesses the payment at a rate two points higher. Here is the net income needed for a flat costing 3 to 7 million, where the limits come from, and why at current rates it is the monthly payment that stops applications, not the size of the debt.
Which banks in Czechia give mortgages to foreigners: a breakdown by residence status
A foreigner has been able to buy property in Czechia without restrictions since 2011. The difficulty is not the purchase but the loan: every bank has its own requirements for residence status, citizenship and where your income comes from. We go through the banks one by one — who insists on trvalý pobyt, for whom an ordinary residence permit is enough, and why holders of temporary protection are not given a mortgage.
Mortgage for the self-employed in Czechia: how banks work out your income when the tax return shows almost no profit
A self-employed person's tax return shows a legally reduced profit, thanks to paušální výdaje or the paušální daň regime. The bank, however, wants to see income. We look at how banks get around this: they credit a percentage of turnover, trim the flat-rate expenses back down, or ask for bank statements. With concrete figures from the methodologies currently in force.
Plumbing Problems in a Prague Apartment: What You Can Fix Yourself and When You Need a Professional
Plumbing problems rarely happen at a convenient time. A tap starts dripping just when you are getting ready for bed. Water stops draining properly from the kitchen sink. A small puddle appears in the bathroom, even though everything was dry the day before. Sometimes you only notice something is wrong when you open the cabinet under the sink and discover that the bottom is already wet.
Movers in Prague: When Moving Help Is Really Worth It
When a move is still just a plan, everything seems fairly straightforward. Pack your belongings, arrange a van and take everything to the new address. What could go wrong?
Free Legal and Social Assistance for Foreigners in Czechia (NGOs)
A verified list of Czech non-profit organisations (NGOs) that provide free or low-cost help to foreigners and migrants in Czechia — mainly in Prague.
Banks in Czechia: where foreigners can open an account
Foreigners — including non-EU citizens, students and Ukrainian refugees — can open a bank account in Czechia, though the required documents and conditions vary by bank. Big
Veterinary Clinics in Prague: 24/7 Emergency Care and Regular Appointments
A curated list of trusted veterinary clinics in Prague, including facilities offering round-the-clock (nonstop) service and night/weekend emergency care (pohotovost), as well as
Russian- and Ukrainian-Speaking Schools and Kindergartens in Prague
A curated list of schools, Saturday (supplementary) schools, and kindergartens in Prague that offer or support education in Russian and/or Ukrainian.
Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking psychologists and psychotherapists in Prague
A curated list of trusted specialists and organisations offering psychological and psychotherapeutic support in Russian and Ukrainian in Prague and across Czechia.
Mobile Networks and Internet in Czechia: Operators, SIM Cards and Plans
Mobile service in Czechia: the operators O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone, cheap MVNOs, prepaid vs. contract plans, where to buy a SIM card, and which eSIMs are best for tourists.
Prague Transport: A Complete Newcomer's Guide — Metro, Trams, Tickets and the PID Lítačka App
How to use Prague's public transport: metro, trams, buses, PID tickets and fares, the Lítačka app, zones, night lines and payment — a step-by-step guide for foreigners.
Foreign Police and the Interior Ministry (OAMP) in Prague: Where to Apply for a Visa or Residence Permit
Long-term visas, residence permits and employee cards in Prague are handled by the Interior Ministry's OAMP offices, while the Foreign Police registers your address and extends short-term visas. Almost every OAMP visit — submitting an application, biometrics, an extension — needs an appointment booked online in advance, and slots fill up fast.
24-Hour Pharmacies in Prague: Where to Get Medicine at Night
Prague has very few genuine round-the-clock (nonstop) pharmacies — most close in the evening, and at night medicine is only dispensed by a handful of on-duty pharmacies, often through a night window with a buzzer
Russian- and Ukrainian-Speaking Doctors and Clinics in Prague
Prague has private and international clinics where you can be seen in Russian, Ukrainian, and English — no language barrier, no long waits typical of state polyclinics
Best Neighborhoods to Live in Prague: 10 Districts for Expats (2026 Guide)
A foreigner's overview of Prague's neighborhoods: Vinohrady, Smíchov, Žižkov, Holešovice, Dejvice, Karlín. Atmosphere, transport, prices, and who each area suits best.
Safe Neighborhoods in Prague: Where to Live Peacefully
The safest neighborhoods for living in Prague are Prague 6 (Dejvice, Bubeneč, Střešovice), Letná, Vinohrady, Vyšehrad, and the quiet outskirts to the north and east — Kobylisy, Prosek, and Čakovice. Pickpockets and petty theft are really on
Customs Clearance of Parcels in Czechia: Clo, DPH and Česká pošta 2026
Whether a parcel needs customs clearance in Czechia depends on where it's coming from. Parcels from EU countries arrive freely — no duty, no repeated DPH (VAT), just like a regular domestic shipment. Parcels from outside the EU (China, the
How to Buy a RegioJet Train Ticket in Czechia (2026)
To buy a RegioJet train ticket in Czechia, open regiojet.cz or the RegioJet mobile app, choose your route, date, and number of passengers, then pick a coach class and specific seat, and pay by card — the e-ticket lands in your inbox and pop
Car Re-registration in Czechia (přepis) 2026: 10-Day Rule
Re-registering a car in Czechia (přepis) to a new owner must be done within 10 working days of the vehicle's transfer — at any registr vozidel (the obecní úřad of an ORP) or online via the Portál dopravy. The standard administrative fee for
Car Sharing in Prague: Anytime, Car4Way Rates 2026
Car sharing in Prague works as pay-by-the-minute car rental through an app: you find the nearest car on the map, unlock it with your phone, drive off, and leave it anywhere within the allowed zone. The two main free-floating operators are A
Czech Highway Vignette 2026: Electronic e-známka — How to Buy It
The electronic highway vignette in Czechia in 2026 (dálniční e-známka) is purchased online via the official government portal edalnice.gov.cz, at Česká pošta branches, or at EuroOil filling stations — and it's linked to your car's license p
Czech POINT: What It Is and Which Extracts You Can Get (Czechia 2026)
Czech POINT in plain terms: it's a universal one-stop contact point of the state administration (in full, Český Podací Ověřovací Informační Národní Terminál) where, with a single ID document, you can obtain certified extracts from state reg
The Czech Alphabet: Letters, Pronunciation, and Reading Rules
The Czech alphabet has 42 letters: the familiar Latin script plus letters with diacritics — the háček (č, š, ž, ř), the čárka marking vowel length (á, é, í), and the kroužek above ů. Czech is read almost exactly as it's written, stress alwa
Christmas in Czechia: Vánoce, Mikuláš, Velikonoce and Other Traditions
Christmas in Czechia (Vánoce) revolves around one central evening — Štědrý den on 24 December, when the family sits down to carp and potato salad, and gifts appear under the tree not from Santa but from Ježíšek. But the Czech festive calend
Czech Names: How to Register Your Child's Name in Czechia
Registering a child's name in Czechia is done at the matriční úřad (registry office) covering the place of birth. You can give one or two different names — Czech or foreign — and you need to settle on them within one month of the birth. If
Family Reunification in Czechia 2026: Residence Permit for Spouse and Children
Family reunification in Czechia (Czech: sloučení rodiny, officially "dlouhodobý pobyt za účelem společného soužití rodiny") is a residence permit that lets you bring your spouse and minor children to join you if you're already legally livin
DPH in Czechia: VAT Registration for Self-Employed (OSVČ) in 2026
Registering for DPH (Czech VAT) becomes mandatory for a self-employed person (OSVČ) once annual turnover exceeds 2,000,000 CZK in a calendar year — at that point you become a VAT payer (plátce DPH). If turnover crosses the second, higher th
Preventive Check-ups in Czechia: What's Free in 2026
A preventive check-up in Czechia (preventivní prohlídka) is completely free for everyone insured under the public healthcare system — VZP, ČPZP, OZP, ZP MV ČR and other insurance funds. Adults are entitled to a check-up with a GP once every
Currency Exchange in Czechia: Best Rates and Where to Exchange
The best way to exchange currency in Czechia is at a no-commission směnárna (exchange office) offering a rate close to the official ČNB rate (around 24.2 CZK per 1 EUR as of July 2026), or by paying and withdrawing cash with a Revolut or Wi
Rental Scams in Prague: How to Spot a Fraud
The most common rental scams in Prague involve demanding prepayment or a reservation deposit (rezervace) before you've even seen the flat, a fake owner who "is abroad and will mail you the keys," and phishing links to fraudulent payment pag
STK Roadworthiness Inspection in Czechia 2026: Deadlines, Cost, How to Get It Done
In Czechia, a passenger car goes through its first STK roadworthiness inspection 4 years after initial registration, then every 2 years after that. In 2026, a full inspection including emissions testing costs roughly 2,000–2,700 CZK and tak
Criminal Record Certificate in Czechia 2026: How to Get One, Cost
A criminal record certificate in Czechia is the výpis z rejstříku trestů, and you can get one in a few minutes at any Czech POINT location — a Česká pošta branch or your city úřad — for 100 Kč. Online, through Portál občana with Identita ob
Příspěvek na bydlení: How to Get Housing Benefit in 2026
How do you get příspěvek na bydlení in 2026? Short answer: the old-style housing benefit no longer exists — as of 1 October 2025 it was replaced by a single dávka státní sociální pomoci (state social assistance benefit), known as the superd
Dental Care in Czechia: 2026 Prices and What Insurance Covers
Dental care in Czechia in 2026 is partly covered by public health insurance, while everything else varies widely by clinic and region: dental hygiene runs roughly 800–2,200 Kč, a composite filling at a private clinic costs 1,200–3,000 Kč, a
How to Open an s.r.o. in Czechia in 2026: Steps and Costs
Opening an s.r.o. in Czechia in 2026 means signing the founding document before a notary (in person or online), obtaining a trade licence (živnostenské oprávnění) for 1,000 Kč, paying in share capital starting from 1 Kč, and registering the
Identita občana: How Foreigners in Czechia Can Get One — 2026
Identita občana — how can a foreigner with a residence permit or permanent residency get one? The fastest way is to activate BankID through your Czech bank's online banking: it takes a couple of minutes and requires no trips to any office.
Free Czech Courses for Foreigners: Where to Learn
Free Czech language courses for foreigners in Czechia are run by integration centers — Integrační centrum Praha (ICP) in the capital and the regional Centra na podporu integrace cizinců (CPIC) — as well as by nonprofit organizations and cou
Where to Find an Apartment in Prague: Renting Without Getting Scammed — 2026
Where to look for an apartment in Prague: the main platforms are Sreality.cz, Bezrealitky.cz, and UlovDomov.cz, plus Facebook and Telegram groups where owners rent out directly. Sreality has the largest database, but almost all listings com
Rental Agreements in Czechia 2026: nájem vs podnájem, kauce
A rental agreement in Czechia comes in two forms: nájem — a direct contract with the property owner, which gives the tenant strong protection under the civil code, and podnájem — a sublease arranged through the primary tenant, where protect
Trade License or Employment Contract in Czechia: Which Pays Off More
Short answer: an employment contract (HPP) almost always wins on protection — paid leave, sick pay from day 15, severance pay, and a pension your employer builds up for you. A trade license (OSVČ) usually wins on take-home money — roughly f
Pediatrician in Czechia and Child Health Insurance
Pediatricians in Czechia (praktický lékař pro děti a dorost, PLDD for short) look after children from birth up to roughly age 19: preventive checkups, mandatory vaccinations, treating illnesses, and issuing prescriptions. As of January 1, 2
Insurance for Renewing Your Long-Term Residence Permit in Czechia: komplexní 2026
To renew a long-term residence permit in Czechia, you need comprehensive health insurance (komplexní zdravotní pojištění) with coverage of at least EUR 400,000 per insured event, valid for the entire period of the requested stay. A standard
Giving Birth in Czechia as a Foreigner: Insurance and Maternity Hospitals 2026
Giving birth in Czechia is available to foreigners regardless of status — with a long-term residence permit, permanent residence, or even without any residence permit at all: no hospital can legally refuse to deliver your baby. The real que
Jobs in Czechia for Russians Without Knowing the Language — 2026
Work in Czechia for Russians without knowing the language mostly means warehouses, manufacturing, logistics, construction, cleaning, and hotels — and with English, international companies in Prague and Brno. The key factor in 2026 isn't lan
Check a Car's VIN in Czechia — Cebia Report, Price 2026
The easiest way to check a car by VIN in Czechia is through Cebia: on cz.cebia.com you enter the VIN, see for free how many records on the car exist in the database and for what period, and if you want, purchase the full AUTOTRACER report —
Diploma Nostrification in Czechia 2026: University or Krajský úřad
Diploma nostrification in Czechia is the official recognition of foreign education as equivalent to Czech education. Secondary school certificates and vocational diplomas are recognized by the regional authority (Krajský úřad) in your place
Tax Return in Czechia: How to File for 2025
Individuals in Czechia file their tax return (daňové přiznání) for 2025 with their local tax office (finanční úřad) by April 1, 2026 on paper, or by May 4, 2026 electronically via the MOJE daně portal or Datová schránka. If your return is p
Flat-Rate Tax in Czechia 2026: Rates and Contributions for OSVČ
The flat-rate tax in Czechia (paušální daň) is a single monthly payment for self-employed OSVČ that replaces three separate obligations at once: income tax, social insurance, and health insurance. Three bands apply in 2026 — 9,162, 16,745 a
Health Insurance for Foreigners in Czechia 2026
Health insurance for foreigners in Czechia comes in two types: comprehensive insurance (komplexní) — for long-term visas and permanent residence permits, and insurance for necessary and urgent care (nutná a neodkladná péče) — for short trip
How to Buy a Used Car in Czechia: 2026 Guide
Buying a used car in Czechia in 2026 comes down to a few clear steps: find a car on Sauto, TipCars, AAA Auto or Bazoš, check its history by VIN, sign a written contract, and register the change of ownership (přepis) at the vehicle registry
Useful Czech Phrases for Everyday Life: 100+ with Pronunciation
Useful Czech phrases for everyday life aren't a tourist phrasebook — they're expressions for real situations: a doctor's appointment, a window at the úřad, a call to your landlord, the checkout at a supermarket. This collection has 100+ phr
Driving School in Czechia: How to Get a Driver's License in 2026
A driving school (autoškola) is the only route to a category B licence from scratch in Czechia: the full course takes 2–3 months on average and costs roughly 15,000–32,000 CZK in Prague, plus a 700 CZK administrative fee for the exam. The e
Medical Aprobation in Czechia: Diploma Recognition 2026
Recognition of a medical diploma in Czechia goes through aprobation (aprobační zkouška) — a mandatory state exam for medical professionals who trained outside the European Union. Without a passed aprobation, you cannot work as a doctor, den
Zásilkovna: How to Pick Up a Parcel in Czechia in 2026
To collect a parcel from Zásilkovna, wait for an SMS, email, or in-app notification with a six-digit code, then pick up your order at a Z-BOX locker (open 24/7) or at a pickup point (výdejní místo). At a Z-BOX, you simply key in the code on
Tax Refunds in Czechia 2026: How to Reclaim Overpaid Tax
A tax refund in Czechia means getting back overpaid income tax (daň z příjmů) after filing your annual daňové přiznání (tax return) and applying the tax credits (slevy na dani) and deductions from the tax base (nezdanitelné části) you're en
Russian Shops in Prague: Addresses and Delivery 2026
Russian and Ukrainian shops in Prague mean, above all, the Vlaštovka ("Ласточка") and Jablonka ("Яблонька") chains, Mix Markt supermarkets, and the newly arrived Ukrainian chain Best Market — these are the easiest places to find familiar pr
Utility Bills in Czechia: A 2026 Newcomer's Guide
Utility bills in Czechia are made up of rent (nájem), energy (energie — elektřina and plyn), water (vodné a stočné), heating (teplo), internet, and building fees (SVJ, fond oprav). When you move in, you pay monthly advances (zálohy), and on
How to Register with a Doctor in Czechia: 2026 Guide
To see a doctor in Czechia, the first step is to register (registrace) with a general practitioner for adults — praktický lékař pro dospělé. Find a doctor who's taking new patients, bring your insurance card (kartička/průkaz pojištěnce) and
How to Get Your Rental Deposit Back in Czechia: kauce 2026
The rental deposit in Czechia (legally called jistota, commonly known as kauce) may not exceed three months' rent and must be returned to the tenant at the end of the tenancy — minus any genuine debts. If the contract doesn't specify an exa
Czech Language Exam for Permanent Residency (A2): New Format from 11 April 2026
The Czech language exam for permanent residency (A2) is a mandatory language test for obtaining permanent residence (trvalý pobyt) in Czechia. From 11 April 2026, an updated format takes effect: the level stays the same — A2 — but the Writi
Home Internet in Czechia: Choosing a Provider and Getting Connected
Setting up home internet in Czechia comes down to three steps: first check which technologies are available at your specific address, then pick a provider and plan, and only after that sign a contract and wait for activation or installation
Cars with Ukrainian Plates in Czechia: 2026 Registration Rules
In 2026, a car with Ukrainian plates can only be legally driven in Czechia if it has been entered into the special evidence vozidel s ukrajinskou SPZ (register of Ukrainian vehicles, IS UA). This has been a legal requirement since January 1
Car Insurance in Czechia: povinné ručení 2026
Car insurance in Czechia is called povinné ručení — mandatory third-party liability insurance required by law, covering damage you cause to other people. Without valid povinné ručení, a car cannot legally be driven on Czech roads: the Česká
Sworn Translators in Czechia 2026: soudní překlad Explained
A sworn translator in Czechia (in Czech, soudní překladatel) is a specialist listed in the official register kept by the Ministry of Justice, whose translations are recognized by every Czech úřad (authority). Their work — known as soudní př
Sending Money Abroad from Czechia: Wise, Revolut, or a Bank
The cheapest way to send money abroad from Czechia is through Wise or Revolut: both use the real market (mid-market) exchange rate and charge a transparent fee of roughly 0.3–1%, while a standard bank transfer quietly loses you another 2–4%
How to Get a Živnostenský List (Trade License) in Czechia: OSVČ Step by Step 2026
To get a trade license in Czechia (živnostenský list, OSVČ status), you need to file an application (ohlášení) with any Živnostenský úřad in person or online via the Portál živnostenského podnikání, pay a state fee of 1000 Kč (800 Kč for el
Best Bank in Czechia for Foreigners
The best bank in Czechia for a foreigner in 2026 is Air Bank, Fio banka, or ČSOB if you want a completely free account with no strings attached, and Raiffeisenbank if English-language app and support matter to you (this account is also free
How to Open a Bank Account in Czechia as a Foreigner
To open an account with a Czech bank as a foreigner, in most cases all you need is your passport plus a second form of ID — and, if you're from outside the EU, a residence permit or visa as well. Czech law guarantees your right to a basic a
How to Change Your Health Insurance Company in Czechia: 2026 Deadlines
You can change your health insurance company (zdravotní pojišťovna) in Czechia only once every 12 months, and only as of 1 January or 1 July. The application (přihláška) must be submitted to the new insurer at least 3 months before the switch: by 31 March if you want to switch from 1 July, and by 30
How to Read Labels in a Czech Supermarket: A Cheat Sheet
To read labels in a Czech supermarket with confidence, it helps to know a handful of key words: flour types (hladká, polohrubá, hrubá), fat percentages on dairy, the difference between máslo and rostlinný tuk, and the two expiry dates — spotřebujte do and minimální trvanlivost.
What 2+kk, 3+1 and Other Czech Property Codes Mean: How to Read Listings
In Czechia, notations like 2+kk or 3+1 in property listings work like this: the first number is the count of living rooms, while "+kk" or "+1" tells you the kitchen type. "kk" (kuchyňský kout) means a kitchenette built into the living room, while "+1"
Apostille in Czechia: Where to Get Documents Legalized
Apostilles in Czechia are issued by three authorities: the Ministerstvo zahraničních věcí (MZV, Ministry of Foreign Affairs) — for most documents (matriční doklady, certificates, diplomas after preliminary certification); the Ministerstvo spravedlnosti (Ministry of Justice) — for court and enforcement (exekutorské) documents; and the Notářská komora ČR (Czech Notarial Chamber) — for notarial deeds. Which authority you need depends entirely on who issued your document.
Traffic Fines in Czechia 2026: Table and Points
Traffic fines in Czechia in 2026 range from 1,500 Kč for minor offenses to 75,000 Kč for refusing an alcohol test, and along with the fine, the driver receives 2, 4, or 6 penalty points. Once you rack up 12 points, you lose your driving privileg
eRecept in Czechia: how the electronic prescription works
In Czechia, almost all medicine prescriptions are issued electronically — this is the eRecept (electronic prescription). Instead of a stamped piece of paper, the doctor sends you a 12-digit identifier (identifikátor) by SMS, e-mail, or on a printout, and
How to Call an Ambulance in Czechia: 155, 112 and Pohotovost
How to call an ambulance in Czechia: dial 155 — the direct line to the medical dispatch service (zdravotnická záchranná služba, ZZS), where calls are answered by medical professionals. If your Czech isn't good enough, call 112: operators on the pan-European emergency line also speak
Name Days in Czechia (svátek): Calendar of Names by Month
In Czechia, name days are called svátek: every day of the year has one or more names assigned to it in the calendar, and whoever bears that name celebrates almost like a second birthday. Congratulating a colleague, neighbor, or acquaintance on their svátek is simply good
Cost of Living in Prague in 2026: What You Need Per Month
The cost of living in Prague in 2026 comes to roughly 27,000–37,000 Kč a month per person, rent included. A couple needs about 42,000–55,000 Kč, a family with a child around 56,000–73,000 Kč, and a student in a dorm can get by on 13,500–19,0
Bringing Pets into Czechia in 2026: Rules for Dogs and Cats
Bringing a pet into Czechia is allowed under three basic conditions: an ISO-standard microchip, a valid rabies vaccination given no later than 21 days before travel, and the right paperwork — either an EU pet passport or an EU veterinary certificate. If you're travelling from a country outside the EU's "listed" group — which currently excludes Russia, Belarus and Ukraine — you'll also need a rabies antibody titre test and a mandatory 3-month wait after the blood draw.
Discount Apps in Czechia: The Complete 2026 Guide
Discount apps in Czechia fall into three groups: leaflet aggregators led by Kupi.cz, retail chain loyalty apps — Lidl Plus, Kaufland Card, Tesco Clubcard — and cashback services Tipli and Plná peněženka. All of them are free, registration takes a couple of minutes, and Kupi.cz itself estimates average savings on promotional purchases at around 30%.
How to Enroll a Child in School in Czechia: Zápis Step by Step
To enroll your child in school in Czechia, submit an admission application (žádost o přijetí) to a primary school — základní škola — during the official enrollment period, zápis, which since 2026 runs from January 15 to February 15 instead of April, as before.
Parking Zones in Prague 2026: How They Work and What They Cost
Parking zones in Prague are the city's paid street-parking system, officially called zóny placeného stání. Streets are marked with three colours: blue zones are for residents with long-term permits, purple zones are mixed and open to anyone who pays, and orange zones are for short stops only. Visitors typically pay 40 to 80 CZK per hour depending on the price band, while a district resident with a valid permit buys an annual resident permit for 600–1,200 CZK.
How to Move Out of a Flat in Czechia: výpověď, Protocol, kauce
How to move out of a flat in Czechia without losing money: submit a written výpověď z nájmu (notice to terminate) at least 3 months in advance, or sign a dohoda o ukončení nájmu (termination agreement) with the owner setting a convenient end date. Then hand over the flat using a proper handover protocol with meter readings, transfer the utilities, get your kauce back, and
Emergency Phone Numbers in Czechia: The Complete List
Emergency numbers in Czechia consist of the single number 112 plus direct lines for each service: 155 — ambulance, 158 — State Police (Policie ČR), 156 — municipal police (městská policie), 150 — fire brigade (hasiči), and 1210 — mountain rescue (Horská služba
Having a Baby in Czechia in 2026: Documents for Your Newborn
Having a baby in Czechia triggers four mandatory processes for foreign parents: obtaining the rodný list birth certificate at the matrika, registering the child with a health insurer within 8 days, filing the child's residence permit application within
Kindergarten Enrollment in Czechia 2026: Deadlines, Documents, Fees
Kindergarten enrollment in Czechia (zápis do mateřské školy) in 2026 runs from March 15 to April 15 — the exact day within this window is set by each kindergarten together with the municipality. Applications go directly to the chosen kindergarten, and a guaranteed spot is granted to children age 3+ who live in its catchment area.
Drugstores in Czechia: dm, Rossmann, Teta — which one saves you more
A drogerie in Czechia is a store selling cosmetics, household chemicals, hygiene products and other home essentials, and the country's three big chains are dm, Rossmann and Teta. In short: dm keeps stable long-term prices and is known for its own brands, Rossmann
Changing Your Address in Czechia with a Long-Term Residence Permit: Notifying OAMP Within 30 Days
Changing your address in Czechia as a foreigner with a long-term residence permit isn't just a move — you're legally required to report your new address to the Ministry of Interior's OAMP (hlášení změny místa pobytu) within 30 days if you plan to live at the new place for longer than 30 days.
Marriage Registration in Czechia with a Foreigner in 2026: Required Documents
Marrying a foreigner in Czechia is arranged through the matriční úřad (matrika) — the civil registry office at the town or district authority. The foreign partner will need a passport, a birth certificate, and a certificate of legal capacity to marry (vysvědčení o právní způsobilosti k uzavření manželství) no older than 6 months, while citizens of non-EU countries must also provide a police certificate confirming legal stay, no older than 7 working days before the wedding.
Savings Accounts in Czechia: Bank Rates 2026
As of July 2026, the best savings account rates in Czechia stand at 4.0–4.25% per annum. The formal top rate comes from the Artesa cooperative at 4.25%, though it requires a mandatory membership contribution; among banks, mBank leads with 4.21%, followed by Raiffei
Rohlik: Grocery Delivery in Czechia — Comparing Services in 2026
Rohlik is usually where people in Czechia start when it comes to grocery delivery: orders over 749 Kč arrive the same day, delivery is free from 1500 Kč, and its coverage area has long since spread beyond Prague — after expanding into southern Bohemia, the company now says it reaches nearly the whole country.
Mobile Operator in Czechia: Which One to Choose in 2026
Which mobile operator to choose in Czechia depends on two things: how much data you need and whether you're willing to sign a contract. Short answer: for no-strings-attached savings, go with a virtual operator like Kaktus or Mobil.cz — starting at 250 Kč a month
Crypto Tax in Czechia 2026: The 3-Year Rule and Thresholds
You don't need to pay crypto tax in Czechia in 2026 if you've held your coins for more than 3 years, or if your total proceeds from crypto sales in a calendar year didn't exceed 100,000 Kč. In all other cases, profit must be declared as
Where to Buy Groceries Cheaply in Prague: 2026 Chain Comparison
Where can you buy groceries cheaply in Prague? Short answer: the cheapest basic basket with no discounts at all is at the discounter Lidl, while if you're willing to use store apps, Albert comes out on top. An April 2026 comparison confirmed this with hard numbers
Datová schránka: how to set it up and use it
What a data box is, the activation deadline, delivery fiction, and ways to log in.
Moved to Czechia: A Checklist for Your First Steps
A step-by-step checklist for your first weeks in Czechia: documents and address, bank account, SIM and internet, health insurance, housing, transport and language — in order, without unnecessary bureaucracy.
Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence for a Czech One
Who is required to exchange their driving licence, what documents you'll need, where to apply in Prague, and how much it costs.
Extending Temporary Protection in Czechia for Ukrainians
A step-by-step guide to extending temporary protection for Ukrainians in Czechia: the two mandatory steps, the 2026 deadlines, the extension to 31 March 2028 and what to do if you missed the deadline.
Lítačka Transit Pass in Prague
Pass carriers, prices, PID zones, and how to set up a transit pass online.
Prague Metro: Map and Tickets
How the Prague metro works: three lines A/B/C, operating hours, tickets and their prices, validation, transfers and night transport — explained simply for newcomers and tourists.
Outlets and Shopping in Prague
Prague's main outlets are Fashion Arena Prague Outlet (in the Štěrboholy district) and POP Airport near the airport, offering 30–70% discounts on 200+ brands year-round. If shopping in the city centre suits you better, head to the big malls — Palladium, Nový Smíchov, Westfield Chodov and Arkády Pankrác. Here's how to get there and how non-EU tourists can claim back VAT under the Tax Free system.
Top Sights in Czechia: What to See by Region — A Guide
Pražský hrad, Karlův most, hrad Karlštejn, Kutná Hora with its ossuary, Český Krumlov, Karlovy Vary, zámek Hluboká and the Adršpach rocks — here's our guide to the top sights in Czechia by region, along with how to get there from Prague.
Brno: What to See and Where to Go
Brno is the capital of Moravia and the second-largest city in Czechia, just 2.5 hours from Prague. Here's a roundup of the main sights — from Špilberk Castle and Villa Tugendhat to the ossuary, the reservoir and the zoo — with tips on getting there and making the most of a day or two.
Are Shops Open in Czechia on Public Holidays?
A breakdown of which Czech public holidays legally require large supermarkets to close, which shops always stay open, and whether stores are open on 17 November.
24-Hour Pharmacies in Prague: Full List of Nonstop and Emergency Locations
24-hour pharmacies in Prague are mostly found at hospitals and a few spots in the centre — the city has around eight or nine pharmacies running on a genuine 24/7 schedule. The most convenient for visitors and residents alike are Lékárna Palackého (Praha 1, near Wenceslas Square) and the pharmacy at Nemocnice Na Františku.
Czech Holiday Calendar 2026: All Dates and Days Off
The Czech holiday calendar 2026 includes 13 non-working days. By law, they fall into two categories: 7 state holidays (státní svátky) and 7 other official holidays (ostatní svátky), but January 1 belongs to both categories, so the number of unique holiday dates comes out to exactly 13.
Prague Population in 2026: Number of Residents, Trends, Districts
According to the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ), Prague's population stood at 1,405,551 people as of March 31, 2026 — an all-time high and roughly 13% of the entire Czech population. Prague remains by far the country's largest city: more people live here than in Brno and Ostrava combined.

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